The first time I performed for a world televisual audience was as a child foot solider for imperialist propaganda. The year was 1982 and the occasion was the Opening Ceremony of ‘Brisbane’s ‘Commonwealth Games’ aka the ‘Stolenwealth Games’. This collision of tourism, spectacle and major event was opened by Prince Phillip and closed by the Queen and cemented […]
August
08
Natty Brings Her ‘A’ Game
posted by Natalie Thomas
Guy Rundle and I were drinking. Social interactions are my studio. About three drinks in, conversation strayed into the pseudo-philosophical terrain so beloved of the half-cut. Guy wanted to know if I was a pessimist or an optimist. I said it depended on how I’d woken up, how my body and brain felt that day. […]
May
11
Quilty: Sit down bitch. Be humble.
posted by Natalie Thomas
Ben Quilty is a Top Bloke. On this matter we’re encouraged to agree. From Grandmas to Returned Soldiers and Aid workers, from Prison Wardens to Diplomats, from Refugees to Prime Ministers and Media Moguls, from ambitious artists seeking advice on how to ‘make it’ to Gallery Directors and Trustees, Quilty attracts followers like a God. […]
November
28
Unwoke Money
posted by Natalie Thomas
Art Fairs are like orgies: a frenzy of writhing, twisted bodies all vying for best position, it’s difficult to know where to look or who did the good bits and by the end, you need a hot shower and another lie down. Part Fashions on the Field, part Disney on Ice, part mini-marathon, Art Fairs […]
August
30
Mother’s Museum
posted by Natalie Thomas
I’m in a dream. I am the ghost of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, originally of Rhode Island. From 1874 till 1948, I lived as few ever will: the advantaged and indulged life of a filthy rich American socialite and philanthropist. You might not have heard of me, but you’re living in my legacy. You’ve most probably […]
June
21
SODA_JERK: Challenging the Status Quo Illusion and Delusion in Australian Film
posted by Natalie Thomas
‘Change the culture, the stories, change people’s understanding of the world and you will change politics’ Ian Milliss The air crackles when artists first exhibit work that is joining the zeitgeist. It’s not about who was there or how many of us, it’s about a collective recognition that what has been produced and exhibited has […]
April
11
Finding the Field
posted by Natalie Thomas
The NGV need me. Well not me per se, more us. They need our help bless. ‘Do you have a pioneering abstract artwork hanging in your rumpus room or stacked in the garage?’ the NGV pleads via an expensive video callout, infomercial promo-thingo. Riffing off the incredibly popular formula of Antiques Road Show, the NGV […]
March
16
The Developer, the Dealer, the University and the Art Stars: Buxton Contemporary
posted by Natalie Thomas
I love rich people. Mostly for their money. Also, I love watching the Arts Industries highly choreographed flattery as they attempt to manage the rich people out of their money. Another thing I love about rich people is they clump. Locate one, you locate a swarm. It was with this in mind that I hustled […]
August
31
Addicted to Fashion: The House of Dior at the NGV
posted by Natalie Thomas
‘Women, with their intuitive instinct, understood that I dreamed not only of making them more beautiful, but happier too.’ Christian Dior By God, men have a tendency toward getting rich and speaking shit. Being more beautiful will not increase women’s happiness. Equality will. Dior at the NGV isn’t the first time the NGV have helped […]
August
21
Unpacking Gerty’s Move
posted by Natalie Thomas
Gertrude Contemporary is an up-to-the-minute arts institution, combining exhibition space with an art studio complex. Gertrude Contemporary is part factory/part showroom and they’ve just relocated from the street of their name, to some place out in the sticks that nobody has ever heard of. There is an old-person-gambling-den situated right across the road, offering new […]
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